2012 ford f-150 Model Overview

The 2012 Ford F-150 full-size truck gets significant updates this year. New to the Ford F-150 lineup for 2012 are changes to the Harley-Davidson special edition. The Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson edition brings the biker gang attitude to the F-150 with its 6.2-liter 411-hp V-8, Tuxedo Black or White Platinum Tri-Coat paint, and stylish 22-inch wheels. The desert-running SVT Raptor is also updated for 2012, getting a new Torsen front axle, and the first-of-its-kind off-road front camera system. The regular 2012 F-150 lineup gains an FX appearance package, neutral tow capability for four-wheel-drive vehicles, and an electronic locking rear axle on most 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, and 5.0-liter V-8 models.

Choice is the name of the game for the F-150. The 2012 F-150 can be had with four engines, three cab configurations, and three bed lengths. Engine options for the F-150 include a 3.7-liter V-6 producing 302 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque, a 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V-6 producing 365 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, a 5.0-liter V-8 producing 360 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, plus a 6.2-liter V-8 producing 411 hp and 434 lb-ft of torque.

New for 2012 on the basic F-150 is the addition of the FX appearance package on FX2 and FX4 F-150s. The FX appearance package adds flat black accents on the fenders and tailgate. The FX appearance package also adds red stitching and lettering throughout the interior. Ford now includes a neutral tow capability to F-150 4x4s, allowing them to be flat-towed behind an RV. Ford has fitted most EcoBoost and 5.0-liter equipped F-150s with an electronic locking rear axle for 2012, replacing the old limited-slip differential. 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptors become even more off-road capable this year with the addition of a new Torsen Front axle, and an off-road front camera system to allow the driver to properly place each tire during rock crawling. The Raptor also gets new wheels, colors, and available body side graphics for 2012. The Harley-Davidson edition is has been updated for 2012 as well.

The exterior of the 2012 Ford F-150 is as varied as its 20 models. While all share the same basic look, they’re all different. The base F-150 XL gets black bumpers and a black grille, along with 17-inch steel wheels. The F-150 STX keeps the black grille, but gets body colored bumpers and 17-inch alloys. The F-150 XLT gains a chrome grille and a chrome bumper. The true standouts exterior-wise are the SVT Raptor, and the Harley-Davidson edition. The Harley-Davidson model comes in Harley-Davidson approved colors (black or white) and is the first F-150 to feature 22-inch wheels. The SVT Raptor is notable for its raised suspension, knobby pre-runner tires, and black wheels and grille, giving it a mean off-road-ready look.

The interior of the F-150 can vary from that of a Spartan work truck (XL), to a plush luxury pickup (King Ranch and Platinum) depending on the trim. We found the interior of the base F-150 XL plain, but still comfortable. Move up through the trim levels and buyers are rewarded with a richly appointed cabin that wouldn’t be out of place in a Lincoln, let alone an F-150 pickup truck. Seats are comfortable and supportive, and the truck comes loaded with techno goodies (like apps!) that allow you to do anything from stream music, to checking your incline and tire placement while off-roading.

As with any vehicle, the 2012 Ford F-150’s performance varies based on engine, cab, and drivetrain configuration. In our testing a F-150 SXT Regular Cab 4×2 with the base 3.7-liter 302-hp V-6 took 7.4 seconds to hit 60 mph from a stop. A 5.0-liter V-8 equipped F-150 XLT SuperCrew 4×4 took 6.9 seconds to hit 60 mph, a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 F-150 Lariat SuperCrew took 6.2 seconds to hit 60, while a 6.2-liter Harley-Davidson Edition F-150 took 6.4 seconds to hit 60 mph. The SVT Raptor can hit 60 mph in around 8.0 seconds, and continue on to an electronically limited 100 mph top speed all while tackling the desert dunes easily.

Like many modern vehicles, the F-150 is loaded with safety features. All F-150s come with six airbags (including dual-stage front airbags and side air curtains), AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control and ABS. Many F-150s also come standard with Trailer Sway Control to allow drivers to keep their loads in check. Also standard is Ford’s SOS Post-Crash Alert System, which will sound the horn and flash the hazards, as well as notify authorities in the event of an accident.

2012 Ford F-150 Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$23,300

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$17,500

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

Recalls

IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT GO INTO REVERSE OR WHEN THE DRIVER PUSHES THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE REVERSE R POSITION AND THE VEHICLES TRANSMISSION DOES GO IN REVERSE, THE R MAY NOT ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, OR NAVIGATOR MODELS AND/OR THE BACKUP LAMP ON THE REAR OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR, OR MUSTANG VEHICLES MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. THESE CONDITIONS INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH OR A PEDESTRIAN BEING STRUCK DUE TO THE VEHICLES NOT SIGNALING IT IS IN REVERSE.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 FORD F-150, 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR, AND 2012-2013 MUSTANG VEHICLES, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NOS. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT" AND 108 LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) THAT WAS CALIBRATED OUT OF SPECIFICATION FOR REVERSE GEAR.

Remedy

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE TRS AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

Units Affected

10500

Recall ID#12V190000 - EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS

Consequence

IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT GO INTO REVERSE OR WHEN THE DRIVER PUSHES THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE REVERSE R POSITION AND THE VEHICLES TRANSMISSION DOES GO IN REVERSE, THE R MAY NOT ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, OR NAVIGATOR MODELS AND/OR THE BACKUP LAMP ON THE REAR OF THE F-150, EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR, OR MUSTANG VEHICLES MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. THESE CONDITIONS INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH OR A PEDESTRIAN BEING STRUCK DUE TO THE VEHICLES NOT SIGNALING IT IS IN REVERSE.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 FORD F-150, 2012 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR, AND 2012-2013 MUSTANG VEHICLES, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NOS. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT" AND 108 LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) THAT WAS CALIBRATED OUT OF SPECIFICATION FOR REVERSE GEAR.

Remedy

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE TRS AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

Units Affected

10500

Recall ID#12V198000 - AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE

Consequence

A FAILURE TO DEPLOY, FAILURE TO DEPLOY AS INTENDED, OR A DEPLOYMENT WHEN NOT INTENDED, INCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT OCCUPANT.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 F-150 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 6, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 15, 2011. INCORRECT SOFTWARE FOR THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM MODULE (OCSM) WAS INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLES EITHER AT THE TIME OF MANUFACTURING OR DURING THE COURSE OF REPLACEMENT OF THE MODULE AS PART OF A SERVICE REPAIR. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, THE OCSM MAY MISCLASSIFY THE PASSENGER SEATS OCCUPANT SUCH THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DOES NOT DEPLOY WHEN IT SHOULD, DOES NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED, OR DEPLOYS WHEN IT SHOULD NOT.

Remedy

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE OCSM FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 21, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

2012 Ford F-150 News and Reviews

Lots of interesting things happened between the time the F-150 was named our Truck of the Year and when we had to return our long-term Ford pickup. The EcoBoost engine had the potential to be controversial: Would truck folks buy a twin-turbo V-6 instead of a V-8? Ford wisely offered two V-8 options, but it turned out the automaker had…

When the F-150 was used as the tow vehicle for the Tesla test -- the one where Motor Trend editors drove the Tesla Model S from the Los Angeles area to Las Vegas -- we were reminded that at some point soon, the truck should really get a trailer brake controller. Since we weren't towing a heavy load that day,…

The Ford continues to be busy at work. This time around, Testing Director Kim Reynolds went to northern California on two different occasions to move large objects back to Southern California. On the first trip, Reynolds picked up a washing machine, a task that took a bit of work (it was heavy, and he was working alone), but he got…

One of our biggest questions about the EcoBoost engine in the F-150 is whether the EPA numbers will hold up when it comes to real-world driving. We used the truck's driver information screen to keep a close eye on the fuel economy during the daily commute to the office. When you have one of the trip odometer screens up, one…

Motor Trend was getting ready to do a story on the range of the Tesla Model S, but to do this, the car would need to be towed to the starting point of the test. The question: could the guys drive the Model S from Los Angeles to Las Vegas on a single charge?And, when it comes to electric cars,…